Great House, built in 1937-38 to the designs of Raymond Erith, is listed Grade II* for its architectural importance. The property is widely regarded as a significant part of his legacy, an embodiment of Erith’s ideas of how classicism could be adapted to suit modern ways of life. It is characterised by his interpretation of the restrained architecture typical of the early C19, whilst internally, the hand of the architect is evident in every element of this meticulously designed and beautifully crafted building which is distinguished by its sophisticated spatial quality and spare classical detailing. Remarkably, the property has not been altered since it was first built, and its layout, fixtures and fittings survive almost completely intact. Great House was the subject of articles in Country Life in November 1950 and again in May 2023.

Offering light, elegant and beautifully presented accommodation throughout, this handsome iconic home has never been on the market. Sitting prominently in the heart of the picturesque Dedham High Street on the Essex/ Suffolk border, the property benefits from a large walled garden along with garaging and off street parking to the rear.

A handsome and welcoming vaulted entrance hall opens out to a rear hall running crosswise along the garden front, lit by three full height French windows providing views and access to the brick terrace. Internally, this space gives access to most of the principal rooms, all beautifully proportioned, with fine architectural features and high ceilings: an elegant drawing room and dining room, both with open fireplaces, and a traditional kitchen with AGA, scullery and larder. On the garden side of the house is the main stair, circling up to the first floor with a continuous mahogany handrail and iron rod balusters, painted white. From here steps lead down to the cloakroom. Below are extensive cellars including a large wine cellar, boiler room, and coal store.

The first floor has views over the garden and includes the principal bedroom with en suite bathroom, two further bedrooms (or bedroom and dressing room, currently used as a sitting room and study) together with a second bathroom and separate WC. The back staircase with stone treads and continuous copper handrail gives access to the second floor with its elegant vaulted hall and extensive views of Dedham and the surrounding countryside. The third floor has a further three spacious bedrooms and a third marble-lined bathroom.

History & Architecture
Designed in 1937-38 by Raymond Erith, the celebrated classical architect best known for the reconstruction of 10-12 Downing Street in the late 1950s, Great House was commissioned by his parents-in-law and was one of his first significant projects, replacing an earlier house in Dedham High Street which had burnt down. Its history is recorded briefly in an inscription on the garden front. A family home since then, Great House has never been sold and this is the first time it will have ever come to the market.

The garden lies to the rear, beyond the brick terrace which overlooks the lawn and affords generous space for al fresco dining. Steps lead down to the lawn with its parterres, herbaceous borders, and mature specimen trees, all enclosed by mellow old brick walls. An established vegetable garden lies beyond with further borders, yew hedges, and mature fruit trees. The property includes ownership of the lane leading along a row of adjacent cottages to the double garage, parking area, and the rear entrance to the garden. Further land for off street parking adjacent to the garage may be available by separate negotiation.

Great House occupies a prominent position in Dedham High Street, which features a variety of historically and architecturally important buildings. Often cited as one of the most beautiful villages in England, Dedham benefits from a range of local shops and restaurants along with a fine parish church and a Church of England primary school rated as outstanding.

The village lies within Dedham Vale, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, made famous by the artist John Constable who was born in the neighbouring village of East Bergholt and painted among other local scenes the nearby Flatford Mill and Dedham Lock. Dedham is well located for access to the A12 for onward travel to London. Manningtree railway station with its direct service to Stratford and London Liverpool Street (fastest trains about an hour) is a few minutes away via a scenic country lane; Colchester station is also nearby. Ipswich and Colchester, respectively 11 and 8 miles away from Dedham, provide a range of further commercial and recreational amenities as well as many highly regarded educational facilities including Ipswich School, the Royal Hospital School, Colchester Grammar School, Holmwood House, Orwell Park at Nacton, and Littlegarth at Nayland.

In Dedham High Street, Manningtree station 4.1 miles, Colchester station 7.4 miles, Ipswich 11.4 miles, London 70 miles.